USVI-On-Line

We're doing carry-on specifically so we don't have to deal with the hassle of waiting for checked bags. Here's my question: if we arrive at 1:30 and quickly get to a taxi, will the taxi driver wait until he has 8 or 10 people to get going? Can this sometimes take a while to fill up the taxi? If we wanted a private taxi, and I reading right that it will be $75 ONE WAY? That seems pretty steep.

How much is a one way ride in a regular taxi, for comparison (sorry if these questions seem basic, we're new to STJ).

If you get in at 1:30, even with just carry on bags, you won't make the 2:00 ferry. Even if you have a few minutes to wait for a taxi to fill up, you should be at Redhook in time for a drink before the 3:00 takes off.Relax, it all works out! You'll have a blast!

Yes, the driver will wait until they're full before leaving. They will also take riders who want to stop anywhere along the way, not just all people going to the same destination. This means that once you leave the airport you'll probably have to stop any any number of places along the way to Red Hook to drop others off.

I think the fare for the trip is $13pp for 1 or $9pp for 2 or more (at least that's what's listed on this site), plus tip of course. I can't remember if there's a per bag fee.

Mostly though, know what you're in for and relax, enjoy the time it takes to get where you're going. You'll be better off for it.

Last Jan. when I was there it was 12pp or 15pp with luggage (which most have since they're waiting at the airport)If you don't want to pay the $75.00 private fare I would relax and have a drink at the airport or leave asap and get one at Red Hook while waiting for the 3pm ferry. I understand that you want to get to St. John ASAP but your on vacation, relax, if you rush to make the 2pm ferry and miss ( it's usually pulling out as you arrive, been there, done that) you'll be disappointed. I have learned after a number of trips to start my vacation as soon as I step off the plane in St.Thomas. All the planning in the world doesn't stop flight delays and traffic delays in town for the taxis. I have learned to check the current time after we arrive and then decide which ferry to catch. This is also a good time to call your villa rental or car rental agency to let them know what ferry you will be arriving on. Good luck and have a GREAT vacation! Scott

Great - thanks everyone. We will definitely take it easy as soon as we get off the plane and just be happy that we're not a work. I'll get an "intro to St. Thomas" tour on the way to Red Hook, I guess.

Also, random question. Let's say that we get to Red Hook with time to spare before the ferry. Is there a drugstore nearby where we can purchase suntan lotion?

As you enter the airport stop by the Cruzan Run counter. The ladies at the counter will give you a free rum punch that will take the edge off dealing with the
taxi men curbside.

Yes, there is a pharmacy in Red Hook - down the street and across from American Yacht Harbour in the same strip mall as Duffy's. Most taxi drivers will be happy to wait while you do an errand or two if you happen to be the only two in the van.

The best bet is to do as others have said and adapt immediately to island time. Sure, the airport is horrid and the cab ride is worse, but if you put your faith in the Travel Gods, you sometimes get rewarded.

Las summer, I took the "chill out" approach and lucked into an earlier ferry. I'm certain that had I fretted and cursed, we'd have missed the boat.

One quick note - if you do need to ride with 10-12 others which will most likely occur, try to sit near the front and near an AC vent. We had a passenger with some pretty gross motion sickness in the back seat last week. Just an FYI!

Tracy